Creamy Steel-Cut Oatmeal (inspired by Cooks Illustrated)
3 cups water
1 cup whole milk (you can mix a bit of cream with your milk if you don't have whole on hand. I had nonfat, so I used half milk and half cream)
1 Tb unsalted butter
1 cup steel-cut oats
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla
Bring water and milk to simmer in large saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until just beginning to foam; add oats and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and toasty, 2-3 minutes.
Stir toasted oats into the milk and water, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered and unstirred until oatmeal thickens to a gravy-ish texture, about 20 minutes. Gently stir in vanilla, salt and spices. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, oatmeal is thick and creamy, about 10-15 more minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!